County Under 18 Youth - Latest news on fixtures / games

County Youth Team Fixtures & Reports

Monday, 17 March 2008.

News... dates and match reports.....

ASSOCIATION’S YOUTH UNDER 18 TEAM FIXTURES
SEASON 2007 – 2008:

Douglas Frost Memorial Trophy
Bedfordshire FA 0 v 2 Berks & Bucks FA [Match report see below]
Sunday September 16th 2007

Twelftree / Holmes Trophy :
Leicestershire & Rutland FA 1 v 2 Berks & Bucks FA
Sunday September 23rd 2007

Colin Sapwell Memorial Shield :
Berks & Bucks FA 2 v 2 Northamptonshire F.A.
Northamptonshire win 5-3 on Penalties
Sunday September 30th 2007

Football Association County Youth Cup :
First Round : BYE
Second Round : MIDDLESEX - AWAY Lost 5-0
Saturday 4th November 2007

South West Counties Championship Competition :
CORNWALL F.A. November 24th 2007 AWAY Won 0-1
SOMERSET F.A. December 15th 2007 HOME Won 1-0
OXFORDSHIRE F.A. Away March 1st Draw 1-1
GLOUCESTERSHIRE F.A. March 15th Lost 1-3

The FINAL of this seasons Competition will be played on Saturday May 3rd 2008.

Mick Parry Memorial Trophy :
First Round :
GUERNSEY F.A. HOME- Lost 2-3
November 10th 2007

======================

2007-2008 Match Reports

South & West Counties Championship -

Berks & Bucks v Gloucestershire

Saturday March 15^th

At Newbury Football Club

The result of this match, would decide who would finish top of this division and go forward to play the winner of Division B in the final. Berks & Bucks needing to win-Gloucestershire only needing a draw. Berks & Bucks started from the kick off to take the game to Gloucestershire- and won a corner in the 3^rd minute from a break by Rajbinder Gill-this corner was cleared by Gloucestershire and from this clearance they in turn won a corner-which was scrabbled away by the home defence. Both sides were now beginning to get their game together. Gloucestershire won a free kick, which was dealt with effectively by the Berks & Bucks defensive wall. Play was going from end to end, but few clear cut chances were being created by either side. Carl Self-Berks & Bucks-had a good effort tipped over the bar, followed by a dangerous free kick from Chris Aslett- which only needed a touch to produce the first goal- but the chance

went begging. Gloucestershire went ahead in the 30^th minute from a penalty award

for a loose tackle on the Gloucestershire No: 8.

Berks & Bucks did not let this set back disrupt their game- and immediately went close, when a effort from Jack Broome went wide of the goal post.

Berks & Bucks got themselves back on level terms- when from a good attack into the Gloucestershire their goalkeeper mishandled the ball, which went to Sam Hamilton, who headed the ball into the empty net. Berks & Bucks now had their tails up but could not turn the chances they had into further goals before half time.

Straight from the second half kick off Berks & Bucks had a lucky escape, when Gloucestershire mounted a good attack and only a last ditch tackle, prevented

the home side from going behind. Another telling attack by the visitors-stretched the home defence- giving away a corner, which was wasted by Gloucestershire.

Berks & Bucks attacks were few and far between-their passing game was letting them down, which in turn was giving Gloucestershire to much room to play their game. Gloucestershire had certainly upped their game- with their defence dealing with anything Berks & Bucks had to offer. Not surprisingly Berks & Bucks went 2-1 down, when from a Gloucestershire corner their No:9 headed them into the lead. Berks & Bucks made substitutions but by now Gloucestershire had a firm grip on the game-giving very few chances to Berks & Bucks to get back into the game. Gloucestershire killed off the game in the 76^th minute, when another telling attack resulted in them going 3-1 up.

Try as they might Berks & Bucks could not find any way through the Gloucestershire defence to create any sort off scoring opportunity. The game ended with Gloucestershire the worthy winners.

Berks & Bucks second half performance would have disappointed them-as they know they have played much better in other matches. Their endeavour could not be faulted- but on the day they were beaten by a good strong side who only had one goal scored against them in their four games, & that was Berks & Bucks.

Report submitted by Mr Richard Custance

Oxfordshire FA [1] v Berks & Bucks FA [1]
Having won their first two league matches- Berks & Bucks, were looking to continue their winning ways, by gaining a third win and keeping top spot in the ‘B’ league, against their near neighbours Oxfordshire CFA. New players were drafted in to the squad, due to injuries, and Club commitments,- however Berks & Bucks started the brighter- with several good attacks mounted on the Oxfordshire goal. A swirling wind was causing both sets of players to mis-judge the flight of the ball- from one of these high balls, a mistake by a Oxfordshire player-gave Carl Self a chance, but his

shot went straight to the Oxfordshire goalkeeper. Play was becoming scrappy- both sides not able to get their passing game together. Oxfordshire were having to work hard to keep their goal intact, as Berks & Bucks picked up their play. Another chance fell to Berks &Bucks from a corner, the ball falling to Carl Self, whose shot across the goalmouth narrowly missed going in the goal. Berks & Bucks were giving Oxfordshire’s defence a hard time, and so they were not able to mount any telling attacks, and when they did get anywhere near the Berks & Bucks area their play was broken up by the Berks & Bucks midfield led ably by Jack Broome- who was leading by example.

Berks & Bucks took the lead in the 30^th minute, somewhat luckily, when the Oxfordshire defence was under attack- one of their defenders made a wild attempt to clear the ball, but only succeeded in slicing his clearance past his own goalkeeper into the net to give Berks & Bucks a 1-0 lead. Oxfordshire were now under constant pressure – but with poor finishing- & wayward shooting somehow they managed not to concede another goal before half time..

The second half was a complete reversal of the first half- with Oxfordshire having the majority of play. Berks & Bucks couldn’t get the passing game together, & only a tremendous diving save from Tom Willshere from a cross- come shot kept Berks & Bucks in the lead.- With substitutions taking place by both sides, play became scrappy- with few chances being created. A shot by Rajbinder Gill went wide, as did a good effort by Sam Hamilton. After good work by the Oxfordshire midfield, a chance was made- and the Oxfordshire centre forward made no mistake, to level up the match.

Oxfordshire were now having their best spell of play- and only heroic defending by the Berks & Bucks backline kept Berks & Bucks from going behind.

Berks & Bucks had a real scare when a sudden break through by Oxfordshire looked

like giving them the lead- but this was thwarted by a last ditch block by Tom Willshire the Berks & Bucks keeper. The game finished with neither side able to score again.

This was definitely a game of two halves, but should have been won by Berk & Bucks who had some very good chances in the first half. The draw keeps Berks & Bucks in with a chance to finish top of their division- But they must gain a win against Gloucestershire Youth on the 15^th March at Newbury if they are to finish top of their league. This was a good opportunity today to gain three points- & Colin Green the Berks & Bucks manager will not be pleased with dropping points in this match.

Match report submitted my Richard Custance

South & West Counties Championship -
Berks & Bucks (1)v Somerset (0)
After a good win away to Cornwall in their first league match the Berks & Bucks team were looking to continue that good form in their second match at home to Somerset.

The match stated at a good pace with Somerset creating early pressure, Berks & Bucks with new players drafted in began to make chances. A good cross from the left gave the home side a good opportunity to take the lead but none could get on the end of it in time. Carl Self started to make his mark of the game with several good runs into the Somerset area. Another good move by Berks & Bucks was stopped by good solid Somerset defending. A sudden through ball by Somerset had the home side in trouble, and only a last ditch tackle saved the day. Berks & Bucks almost took the lead in the 28^th minute with an effort by Keith Tucker which was well saved but the Somerset keeper.

A snap shot by Sam Hamilton went just wide and Berks & Bucks were now enjoying their best spell of the match, and more chances were created, but once again wasted.

The half ended with both defences in tact neither side being able to find the net.

The second half started with Berks & Bucks on top. Somerset were awarded a free kick on their left, just outside the area, which produced a first class save from Tom Willshere in the home goal. Somerset were beginning to create chances but the home defence managed to keep them at bay with Jack Broome & Christopher Aslett breaking up any danger that appeared.

A scare for the home side came from a corner by Somerset when Toby Smillie headed back to the home keeper, who had to use all his height to tip over the bar for another corner kick to the visitors.

At the other end, a snap shot by Nick Lilley, playing his first game for the County, crashed against the bar and then cleared.

In the 60th minute, Berks & Bucks were rewarded for all their efforts when from another good piece of play the ball broke to Robert Powell who went forward and coolly slid it past the Somerset keeper. Try as they did, Somerset were could not breach the home defence, who were solid throughout the match. Other chances fell to Berks & Bucks but 1 – 0 was to be the final score.

This was a good all round performance by Berks & Bucks side with the defence playing really well and the attack play always looked as though another goal would come. Manager Colin Green has created a work discipline into the squad and has gathered together a team that looks capable of winning matches.

Report as submitted by Richard Custance

South West Counties Competition - League [Group A]

CORNWALL 0 – BERKS & BUCKS 1
24th November 2007

Berks & Bucks opened their league campaign with a very good away win in Cornwall.

There was a lively opening to this well contested match – played on a heavy pitch – with playing conditions very difficult. Cornwall created two good chances to score in the first fifteen minutes but the Berks & Bucks keeper Joe Wells made a good save the second chance went wide of the goalpost.

Berks and Bucks went close in the eighteenth minute when Kyle Jeffrey came running in and just failing to connect with a cross from Rajbinder Gill. Berks & Bucks were now picking up their game – Sam Hamilton going close twice. Cornwall went close just before half time with a powerful header going close. Berks & Bucks started the second half brightly with Sam Hamilton going close again and Robert Powell having a shot pushed round the post for a corner – Berks & Bucks were again denied when Kyle Jeffrey broke through- with only a good tackle stopping Berks & Bucks from going ahead. Joe Wells made a good save from free kick by the Cornwall No. 10. Berks & Bucks took the lead in the sixty first minute when Robert Powell cut in from the left setting up and easy tap in for Kyle Jeffrey to make it 1 – 0 to Berks & Bucks – taking the lead gave Berks & Bucks the initiative and they had a good spell – bringing out three good saves by the Cornwall Keeper from efforts by Hamilton – Powell and Hamilton again – Hamilton was giving the home defence a troubled time and was unlucky not to score in this period of play.

Cornwall gradually got back into the game – giving the Berks & Bucks defence a tough time – but keeper Wells kept a clean sheet with saves from two late chances by Cornwall.

Above Report submitted by Richard Custance

========================================

South West Counties Competition - Mick Parry Cup
11^th November 2007
Berks & Bucks FA Youth (2) v Guernsey Youth (3)
A much better performance was hoped for after the previous week’s result against Middlesex FA. The manager, Colin Green, was not helped when players became unavailable through work commitments, illness and players being required by clubs. New players were brought in overnight on Friday and with positional changes of a couple of players, the Berks & Bucks team started the game at a cracking pace.
After much Berks & Bucks pressure against the run of play, a Guernsey through ball was not dealt with quickly enough and a Guernsey foot steered the ball under Neil Howarth’s body to put Guernsey 1-0 up. Still playing well, the Berks & Bucks got their reward in the 43^rd minute when Toby Nowell made a good break and slotted the ball home for a 1-1 score line.
Berks & Bucks started the second half brightly and looked to be getting the upper hand, when a speculative shot from the Guernsey number 8 sent the ball across the Berks & Bucks area to sneak inside the far post, putting Guernsey 2-1 up. However, this only seemed to spur on the home team who piled on the pressure. In the 79^th minute they drew level again when Toby Nowell scored his second goal, putting Berks & Bucks level at 2-2. Berks & Bucks now had their tails up and were looking in control and the likely winners when, from a quick break away, Berks & Bucks defence was caught flat and with unmarked Guernsey players Berks & Bucks were made to pay dearly when one of the unmarked players had an empty net to put the ball in making it 3-2 to Guernsey. As much as they tried, another goal for Berks & Bucks did not arrive and Guernsey were 3-2 winners. A match that they did not look to be the winners of. Although they lost this was a much improved performance by the Berks & Bucks players and more positives than negatives were got from this game and Berks & Bucks can count themselves unlucky not to have won this match.
Above report submitted by Mr.Richard Custance

===============================================

FA County Youth Cup – Second Round

3^rd November 2007
Middlesex FA (5) v Berks & Bucks FA (0)

The result of 5-0 to Middlesex Youth indicates that the Berks & Bucks FA Youth were well defeated in what can only be described as a poor performance by the Berks & Bucks Boys.

Starting off with a 3-5-2 formation, the away team seemed to be incapable of playing to this system. With a huge gap in midfield the away team were unable to get any service to the front players and were crowded in defence. With no room to give any telling passes it was not long before the home team scored from a poorly defended free kick, which caught out the away team defence. A second goal followed again with the away team being hesitant in defence, 2-0 being the score at half time.

The away team changed for the second half with a 4-4-2 system being employed. To their credit the Berks & Bucks picked up their performance and made Middlesex work much harder. However, goals would not come for the away boys who were unlucky on a couple of occasions to not score. As hard as they worked, the away team could not prevent a further 3 goals being scored by Middlesex, who ran out 5-0 winners, somewhat fortunate to win by that margin.

So out of the FA County Youth Cup for this season, Berks & Bucks must concentrate on the Mick Parry Cup next week at home to Guernsey FA Youth.
Above Report submitted by Mr. Richard Custance

================================================================

Sunday September 30th 2007
Colin Sapwell Memorial Shield :
Berks & Bucks FA 2 v 2 Northamptonshire F.A.
Northamptonshire win 5-3 on Penalties

In the last of their three pre-season Memorial Cup Matches the home side introduced two new players to their side both from Abingdon United FC.

Berks & Bucks started off brightly. In the 2^nd minute skipper David Bellis was unlucky with a strong header from a corner on the right, which just went wide.

At the other end a couple of strong runs by the Northamptonshire midfield were repelled by the home defence. Out of nothing Berks & Bucks opened the scoring in the 8^th minute and flick on by Johns Mills fell to Matthew Hart who brought the ball down and delivered a good shot which the visiting keeper could not reach.

Play was somewhat messy by both sides but Matthew Hart was causing all sorts of trouble and from one of his runs into the box, was brought down by the Northamptonshire defenders; and from the resulting penalty Ben McCready made it 2-0 to Berks & Bucks. Unfortunately Matthew Hart was injured in the tackle and had to be replaced. This seemed to unsettle the Berks & Bucks boys whose play became somewhat ragged.

Half time arrived with no further incidents of note from either side.

It was essential that in the second half Berks & Bucks needed a 3^rd goal to settle them down – this did not materialise, in fact Northamptonshire looked a different side and were running the game. It was no surprise that Northamptonshire reduced the deficit in the 55^th minute with a sharp shot on the turn, giving Neil Howarth in the home goal no chance. Berks & Bucks were giving too much space to the wide players of Northamptonshire who made it 2-2 when a cross come shot from the right somehow was deflected into the Berks & Bucks net in the 70^th minute.

To their credit although shaken by loosing a 2-0 lead the Berks & Bucks boys began to rally and David Bellis delivered a stinging shot just wide. With the game swinging from end to end, the referee ended full time

at 2-2.

Because it was a ‘Cup’ game penalties were taken with Northamptonshire FA winning 5-3.

Berks & Bucks boys have played well in their ‘3’ pre season Annual Cup Matches beating Bedfordshire 2-0, winning at Leicestershire 2-1 and hold Northamptonshire 2-2 in full time. With a New manager Colin Green and Physio Shane Harness they have much to encourage them.

Sunday 23^rd September 2007
Twelftree/Holmes Trophy
Leicestershire & Rutland Youth 1v2 Berks & Bucks Youth

Berks & Bucks Youth continued their winning ways with a 2-1 away victory over their hosts.
Playing on a superbly prepared pitch as always at Holmes Park, Berks & Bucks started strongly playing against the wind spreading the game wide. The visitors caused problems for the home defence, several chances fell to their forwards but wayward shooting kept the score level until the 22^nd minute when Berks & Bucks went ahead from a snap shot by Thomas Barbour which hit the underside of the bar and bounced down over the line. The Referees Assistant confirming that the ball had crossed over the goal line. Neil Howarth the Berks & Bucks keeper dealt well with the home attacks and made a sharp reaction save against from the home No8. With both sides missing chances the score at half time remained 1-0 to Berks & Bucks.

Both sides made changes at the start of the second half with the introduction of John Mills who made an immediate impact as Berks & Bucks went 2-0 up. Good play by the midfield resulted in John Mills getting the ball, he then turned the Leicestershire defender, slipped the ball to Toby Nowell who finished off the move to make it 2-0.

Berks & Bucks were putting Leicestershire & Rutland under constant pressure but wayward finishing kept Leicestershire & Rutland in touch.

Berks & Bucks were now controlling the game with ‘skipper’ David Bellis in fine form. Leicestershire & Rutland were finding it difficult to create many chances until the 70^th minute when a snap shot from an acute angle beat everybody in the visitors area and flew across the goal to go out of play. Berk & Bucks created several additional good chances but instead of shooting when in a good position tried to beat one too many defenders and lost the ball. With the game well in their control it looked like Berks & Bucks would run out 2-0 winners but Leicester pulled one goal back in the 90^th minute when their No.16 ran across the Berks & Bucks goal area to the near post and with a deft flick guided the ball into the net making it a final score of Leicestershire & Rutland 1 and Berk & Bucks 2.

The Twelftree/Holmes Trophy was presented to the Berks & Bucks Captain David Bellis by Mrs Twelftree at the after match reception.

Berks & Bucks will be pleased they have won their first two matches and will be hoping to make it 3 wins in a row when they entertain the Northamptonshire CFA Youth for the Colin Sapwell Shield at Abingdon United on 30^th September 2007.

Douglas Frost Memorial Cup – 16^th September 2007
BEDFORDSHIRE FA Youth 0 – BERKS & BUCKS FA Youth 2

At the fourth attempt, after its inauguration in 1994, the Berks & Bucks Youth bought “home” the Douglas Frost Memorial Cup after a hard fought 2-0 win.

On a hard pitch and with a strong wind swirling around, both sets of boys found it difficult to control the ball at the ‘first touch’.

The Berks & Bucks introduced into their side five players from last seasons under 16 rep team.

The strong running of the Bedfordshire midfield and the speed of their attack caused the Berks & Bucks defence some problems – after some scares a Bedfordshire strike was brilliantly saved by Neil Howarth in the Berks & Bucks goal with a full stretched dive to tip the ball round the post.

The Berks & Bucks boys were finding it difficult to put any sort of attack together – with passes going astray and at full strength to keep out the Bedfordshire attack. But in the 35^th minute a sudden break with a through ball from the Berks & Bucks midfield – Matthew Hart coolly lobbed the advancing Bedfordshire goalkeeper to put the Berks & Bucks 1-0 up – Somewhat against the run of play the half time whistle ‘went’ with no further score.

It was obvious from the start of the second half that the Berks & Bucks manager Colin Green had fired up the Berks & Bucks players who with the wind at their backs and keeping the ball on the ground were playing much better. As the game went on Berks & Bucks took control with some neat passing football, and it was now the home side that were under pressure.

The Berks & Bucks defence and midfield looked much stronger and were able to make several chances near the Bedfordshire goal which went begging.

From a rare Bedfordshire attack, the No 10 inside the penalty area struck a tremendous shot which Neil Howarth got down quickly to black, but the ball went back to the No 10 who headed the ball back, which looked goal bound only for keeper Neil Howarth to get up quickly and tip the ball round the post for another excellent save.

The visitors continued to play their football while Bedfordshire seemed to believe it wasn’t going to be their day. After about 75 minutes Adam Kissane made it 2-0 for Berks & Bucks with a snap shot which seemed to take ages before it went just inside the goalpost.

Berks & Bucks were now well in control with Bedfordshire not producing too much to worry the B&B defence. The final whistle went and to their credit Berks & Bucks rode their luck, but with a young side got better as the game proceeded and finished strongly and were deservedly the winners.

End.

Fixture round up for Season 2006-07

Twelftree / Holmes Trophy :

LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND F.A. 10th September 2006 HOME Won 2-1

Douglas Frost Memorial Trophy :

BEDFORDSHIRE F.A 17th September 2006 HOME Lost 4-5

Colin Sapwell Memorial Shield :

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE F.A. 1st October 2006 HOME Lost 0-3

Football Association County Youth Cup :

First Round : BYE

Second Round : NORFOLK FA - AWAY Won 5-1

Third Round: KENT FA - AWAY Won 2-1